When Newcaslte's starting-11 to face Reading was announced not many expected to see Yoan Gouffran's name on the team sheet as manager Rafa Benitez looked to help his side pick up their first win of the new season.

It was a bold decision from Benitez but it ultimately paid off as the supposedly exiled wideman grabbed two 'assists' as Newcastle strolled to a 4-1 victory.

Reading's George Evans in action with Newcastle's Isaac Hayden

The first goal of the evening came after 20-minutes as the ball bounced off Gouffran to set-up Isaac Hayden for his first United goal.

And despite being brought in from the cold, Gouffran looked lively at times as he tested Royals' keeper Ali Al-Habsi with a well-struck overhead kick just after the half-hour mark.

Although Reading levelled just before the break Newcastle responded soon after the restart as Gouffran earned his side a penalty that was calmly converted by Matt Ritchie.

Vs

Passing Accuracy

Ontarget Scoring Att

Goal Assist

Penalty Won

Duel Won

Ball Recovery

Mins Played

Yoan Gouffran

Reading

69%

1

1

1

3

4

84

Newcastle's Matt Ritchie scores their second goal from the penalty spot

A superb 30-yard free-kick from former Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle made it 3-1 after 69-minutes.

Gouffran left the pitch to a standing ovation after 84 minutes to be replaced by Jack Colback as the Magpies looked to hold out for victory.

And Gayle wrapped things up for the hosts late on as he turned in Hayden's cross to confirm a convincing win.

Newcastle's Dwight Gayle scores their fourth goal

As always Newcastle fans had plenty to say on the matter, with Gouffran being a key topic of discussion.

Here's what they said about the 30-year-old's surprise inclusion prior to kick-off:

Dominic Scurr

Newcastle based journalism graduate with a powerful interest in all things European football. Former club journalist and perpetually ambivalent supporter of Newcastle United Football Club, trying to hack the world of sports journalism without getting booked.